India focus for latest Patterson

Random House India and Cornerstone have acquired the next book in James Patterson's bestselling Private series, written in collaboration with Indian thriller author Ashwin Sanghi, with plans to release the new book in early 2014.

Cornerstone managing director Susan Sandon bought rights to publish the book across the Random House Group territories, with the book having the working title of Private India.

Publication of the book will follow a year of "major promotional activity" for Patterson in India, according to the publisher, starting with the exclusive publication of a paperback format of Alex Cross, Run in February 2013, ahead of the hardback edition in the rest of the world.

Patterson said: "Writing my Private series of books has given me the opportunity to work with local authors on thrillers set all over the world. With its vibrant and chaotic cities, and rich history and heritage there could be no better place to set Private's next adventure than India. And in Ashwin Sanghi, with his wide historical knowledge and his love of a fast-paced plot, there could be no better writing partner. I look forward to working with him to create a unique, Indian-based adventure."